The UK's "FBI" has frozen £10 million in Premier League funds while investigating alleged criminal activity involving crypto partner Sorare, backed by Messi.

The National Crime Agency is investigating Sorare, which is accused of operating unlicensed gambling.

Sorare operates a digital trading card game promoted by stars including Messi and Mbappé, and the company denies any wrongdoing.

The Premier League announced a £120 million partnership over four years with the crypto gaming company in 2023.

However, as the company faces investigation in England, the partnership ended at the conclusion of last season.

We can reveal that the National Crime Agency obtained an order from Westminster Magistrates' Court in January 2025 to freeze £10 million under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

It is understood the money represents the first upfront payment made by Sorare under a £30 million annual agreement.

The funds were held in a Barclays account in the Premier League's name.

A National Crime Agency spokesman confirmed the court ordered the freezing of £10,024,041.33 registered in the name of The Football Association Premier League Limited.

The spokesman added: "The purpose of this order is to prevent the transfer of funds while the National Crime Agency investigates a potential connection between these funds and alleged criminal activity by a third party."

The Premier League is scheduled to appear in court on Monday to seek a variation of the order, which currently remains in place until 14 September.

Sorare operates a fantasy sports digital card game and is also facing prosecution from the Gambling Commission. "Managers" build virtual teams with cards featuring real players and compete in matches where outcomes are determined by real-world player performance.

When announcing the partnership in 2023, the Premier League stated it would "provide fans with another way to connect with their favourite clubs and players." The deal gave Sorare the rights to issue digital cards for players from all 20 clubs. In return, each club receives a share of the Premier League's revenue based on usage of their player cards.

The Premier League's official website previously listed Sorare as a partner, naming Messi, Zidane, Mbappé, Rio Ferdinand, and tennis star Serena Williams as investors, ambassadors, and advisors to the company.

The site also stated that Sorare was valued at £3.21 billion.

Founded in 2018, the company initially focused solely on the crypto trading market. Users connected their digital wallets and traded cards using cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum or Solana.

In August 2023, Sorare formally allowed cash transactions.

The crypto business has attracted football fans and converted them into customers by entering the world of football.

Chelsea announced last week that Circle will become their main shirt sponsor.

It is the first crypto company to secure a major shirt sponsorship with a Premier League club, with players including João Pedro already appearing in kits bearing the logo.

Cryptocurrency exchange OKX holds a £55 million-per-year partnership with Manchester City, with its logo displayed on the sleeves of players including Haaland.

Meanwhile, Kraken's logo appears on the sleeves of Christensen's Tottenham Hotspur teammates Porro and the rest of the squad.

Manchester United's training kits are sponsored by blockchain company Tezos, a deal reportedly worth around £20 million per year.

The Financial Conduct Authority recently wrote to clubs, reminding them of fans' trust in their club badge.

FCA Director Lucy Castledine stated: "They should not allow unauthorised financial companies to exploit that loyalty and place potentially problematic products in front of millions of fans."

"A logo on a shirt means one thing – the company paid for it."

In 2024, the Gambling Commission began proceedings at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, alleging that Sorare provides gambling facilities without the required operating licence. The case is scheduled for trial in June next year.

Sorare denies wrongdoing, arguing that its game is based on skill rather than chance and should therefore not be subject to gambling regulations.

This summer, the Financial Conduct Authority warned that football fans are being targeted by crypto companies and unauthorised dealers who reach them through club sponsorship deals.

Sorare said last night: "We cannot comment on the freezing order. However, we would like to clarify that our contract with the Premier League ends at the conclusion of its term (the 2025-2026 season).

"Regarding the Gambling Commission prosecution, we firmly deny any claim that Sorare falls within the definition of a gambling product under English law. The Commission has misunderstood our business and incorrectly determined that the relevant legislation applies to Sorare. We cannot comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing."

There is currently no suggestion of wrongdoing by the Premier League.

The Premier League declined to comment on the freezing order.

The latest accounts as of 31 July 2025 show the Premier League's assets exceed £1.5 billion, with charitable contributions totalling £56.6 million.

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